Mulching – A 2-3” layer of mulch will help the tree retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and slowly break down and become part of the soil. Most importantly, mulch keeps lawn mowers and weed eaters away from the trunk, one of the leading causes of injury to a tree. The mulch should cover the width of the hole, or perhaps a bit wider, and not touch the trunk of the tree.
Staking – Wind will rock the top of the tree if not staked causing the root ball to move and break newly forming roots. Stake the tree about a third to halfway up the trunk and tighten so that the top can only move about 6” in any direction. Use 2 or 3 stakes, depending upon size of the tree.
Wrapping Trees – Young trees are susceptible to sunscald and rodent damage because the bark is thinner and not shaded by its branches yet. This is especially true with maple and fruit trees. We recommend wrapping trees during the winter months (December-February) to prevent freeze cracking and during the summer months (June-August) to prevent sunscald. Unwrap the trees during spring and fall to allow air to the trunk and an opportunity to take notice of borer or other insect/disease problems. We offer plastic spiral tree wraps and paper wraps on a roll.
